How to help tramadol addiction

For those then that are addicted to tramadol, finding opiate specific treatment is imperative. The main stages of treating tramadol addiction include:

1. Detox – Detoxing from tramadol is often the first step in addressing tramadol addiction. During tramadol detox, medical staff supervise the removal of tramadol from your system. Specifically, detox is a period of withdrawal and body adaptation to the lack of tramadol in the system. Medications may be prescribed during this time to address specific withdrawal symptoms.

2. Physical stabilization – Long term tramadol users may experience PAWS, or protracted withdrawal symptoms, such as depression or mood disorders. In the weeks and months after withdrawal, heavy tramadol users can expect mood swings and trouble sleeping. Medications may be prescribed to address anxiety or depression.

3. Psychological treatment – The bulk of tramadol addiction treatment occurs during psychotherapy. Combined with behavioral therapy, psychotherapy addresses the underlying reasons why you use tramadol and replaces self-destructive patterns with life affirming ones. Medications may be prescribed to address persistent drug cravings.

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Getting help for tramadol addiction

There are several ways to find help for addiction. The following types of approaches address the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. Therapies can include one or more of the following types of therapy:

Bio-Social – Considered a holistic model for treatment, this type of help for tramadol addiction aims to understand the intricate nature of addiction and how it all interrelates.

Clinical – Clinical therapies work with psychological underlying conditions and aim to target and treat any underlying mental health.

Medical – Aims to treat withdrawal symptoms and to target the actual receptors being effecting in the brain chemistry. There are where detox and medication is prescribed.

Social – Works to integrate supportive group therapy and a community of addicts so that they may work off one another learning skills and find commonalties.

How to help a tramadol addict

If you’ve noticed that a friend or family member is showing signs of tramadol addiction, there are ways that you can help. The most simple way to help is to get involved in the treatment of your loved one. Understand that tramadol addiction can be treated like any other disease. And get informed about it. Other ways to help a tramadol addict include:

Drug abuse interventions – To help a tramadol addict, you can plan a formal or informal intervention. During an intervention, you present the facts, observations, and your point of view. Talk to a professional interventionist to define the who, what, where and why of an intervention.

Setting boundaries – Another way to help a tramadol addict is to quit enabling. Do not give an addict money or allow them to stay in your home. Allow an addict to experience the real consequences of use.

Seeking family therapy – During family counseling, you can address possible dysfunction, and become a part of the process. Joining a family support group like Narc Anon can also help. In regular meeting, you’ll meet others who have close family members struggling with substance abuse. Listening and sharing stories can help others overcome negative perceptions regarding substance abuse and get their own lives back on track.

Tramadol addiction helplines

Finding treatment for tramadol addiction shouldn’t be hard or uncomfortable. Here are some tramadol addiction helplines sponsored by the U.S. federal government that can help.

1-800-662-HELP

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health SErvices Administration (SAMHSA) is a great resource to look to when you are looking for help with tramadol addiction. Their website http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/ is a great place not only to find treatment but legal help as well. They also have a Spanish speaking line.

1-800-273-TALK

If you feel that an addiction is leading you to thoughts of suicide please call this suicide prevention hotline . They can help you.

Help with tramadol addiction questions

Still have question about how to help tramadol addiction? Please share your questions and experiences about tramadol in the comments section below. We will answer your questions promptly.

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6 Responses to “Help for tramadol addiction”

amelia

6:18 pm May 3rd, 2014

I have only been taking 50mg daily for a few months but noticed that when that dose left my system I began having severe body & limb spasms. I spoke with my pain specialist who advised coming off by taking the soluble tablet and breaking it in halve for a few days and then reducing bit by bit, However the spasms are still very bad. How long will I be like this? I am 78 and never experienced anything like this although I am hypersensitive to most medications.

Hello Amelia. I’d suggest that you record the doses on a timeline/calendar with the associated symptoms you’re experiencing. Then, take this report to your prescribing doctor and seek additional medical counsel. It’s possible that the withdrawal is severe because the taper is too quick. You can also consult with your local pharmacist for more information on typical reduction regimes.

Joe

8:01 am October 6th, 2015

I have been taking 200mg/day of Tramadol over the past 2 years, It helps my problem with sciatica and severe leg pain. This has been legally prescribed. I have tried stopping cold turkey but feel agitated and concerned about future pain issues.. I think I need help. Advice?

Hello Joe. It’s recommended to work with a doctor to help monitor withdrawal symptoms, especially if you have used tramadol in larger doses or for long period of time. I suggest you speak with your doctor about tapering Tramadol before you completely stop using. This safe way to taper includes a 10% reduction in dosage every week and then a 20% reduction every 3 to 5 days. However, if doctors see a need for a more supervised detox, you will be referred to a professional detox center or treatment facility.

Christine

11:18 am November 5th, 2015

Hello everyone, I was delighted to find this wonderful site and read so many encouraging and hopeful messages. I had a two knee surgeries this year, first an unsuccessful Arthroscopy in July and then another in August which culminated in a Total Knee Replacement.. My surgeon put me on 2 x 50mg Tramadol with 2 x 500mg paracetemol 4 times a day in July and 16 weeks later I am trying to stop them. When I explained the withdrawal symptoms I was having to my G.P. She put me on Sertraline anti-depressants along with Co-Codymol. However, after just one day I felt so awful and such a failure I wanted to jump off a cliff and decided not to take them. Thinking I’m jousting swapping one devil for another. The withdrawal symptoms are just as bad as people say and I am so encouraged by people’s advice. I have been off all meds except paracetemol for 3 days now and am going through all the symptoms others have described. It’s an awful journey, but thank you all for sharing. I am taking courage from your stories. Chris.

Hi Christine. Thank you for sharing your story. I hope you can come back and share your successful journey once you are feeling much better in order to inspire others the way you were inspired by the shared stories. Until then, we are here if you need to ask anything.

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Hi Rachael. Ultram does not show up on most standard drug screens, which usually include a panel of ...

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